Boxing Ledger's Archives

Monday, January 24, 2011

On Friday, February 11th, Star Boxing's welterweight contender Shamone "The Truth" Alvarez (21-3, 12KO's) will cross over the border and enter into foreign soil when he takes on Canada's Antonin Decarie (24-1, 7KO's) at the spectacular Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.The bout, scheduled for ten rounds, will headline that week's ESPN "Friday Night Fights".Alvarez-Decarie marks the return of Groupe Yvon Michel's highly regarded FAST AND FURIOUS boxing series, and is presented by the Casino de Montreal in collaboration with Videotron, and Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing.

The crafty southpaw Alvarez is no stranger to fighting on ESPN, having been showcased on the popular "Friday Night Fight" series numerous times throughout his career.Alvarez is coming off a very close tough majority decision loss in his last bout, and is looking to get back into the win column and make another charge towards challenging for a welterweight title.

Alvarez and Decarie are no stranger to one another, and have somewhat unfinished business together.The two were supposed to fight back in 2009, before Alvarez was forced to pull out after suffering a badly sprained knee just days before the fight.Terrance Cauthen, who Alvarez had previously defeated, went on to replace Alvarez and gave Decarie all he could handle before running out of gas and being stopped with one second to go in the 10th and final round.

Decarie's lone defeat came in May of 2010 when he lost a close decision against Souleymane M'Baye for the interim WBA Welterweight Championship.

On Saturday night London based Dutch Cruiserweight prospect Mitchell Balker got the first UK win under his belt, after beating Battersea’s fighting fireman Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth, at the Graham Earl promoted ‘Capital Punishment’ event at York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Balker, who relocated to London in September last year to train with Johnny Eames at his Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, put the disappointment of losing his unbeaten record, when he faced #8 ranked Matty Askin on his British debut back in November last year, behind him and put on a dominating performance against the very tough Okoth.

Right from the opening bell Balker controlled the fight utilising crisp solid jabs to keep Okoth on the defensive, before swiftly moving in to land solid jabs and big right hands.

Round two see Okoth charge from his corner to take the fight to the Dutchman. Balker kept calm and stayed out of trouble by moving out of range and occasionally letting rip with accurate lefts and rights, to both head and body, that slowed the advancing Okoth considerably.

Round three see Balker shift up a gear and just plain out box Okoth by utilising crisp jabs and powerful combinations. Okoth pressured Balker onto the ropes, but the savvy Dutchman would just step around Okoth and launch controlled attacks of his own. Often just jabbing to the head but occasionally with a venomous three punch combination that ended with a solid left to the body.

Round four was more of the same and it was no surprise that come the final bell the referee declared Balker the winner by a clear 40-36 points margin.

Following the fight Balker said, “I got my win, my first in UK. I feel really good, my performance was good, I just got in the ring and did my thing. It’s good to win all four rounds. I felt strong and was totally in control and I pushed him. It went OK.

The body shots we worked on in the gym worked good. I went to Nick Okoth in the changing rooms after the fight and he told me like ‘if you had hit me two, three more times there I would go down, if you hit me more with the body shots I would go down’.

It was good performance but I could do more. I felt little bit slow but it was still good.

I want another fight soon, build on the win and show what I can do.”

Balker’s manager/co-trainer Johnny Eames added, “I thought that Mitchell performed really well. It’s his first outing since Matty Askin, and he was fighting Nick Okoth, who really is a very, very brave man and gave a very good performance.

Mitchell boxed extremely well, boxed to orders and did what he was asked to do. It’s a shame he had a little bit of a cold, otherwise he may have had a stoppage, mind you I wouldn’t wish that on anyone really, especially Nick as he’s a lovely kid. But I think Mitchell would have definitely got the stoppage win.

Mitchell is a work in progress and we’re looking to get him out again soon, he’ll be available here for any fights against anyone outside the top ten.”

Johnson, who took the bout on just a few days notice, controlled the pace from the outset, taking the fight right to Long. Johnson dropped Long twice in the eighth to go on to win by scores of 79-71 on all three judges scorecards.

Former WBU Lightweight Champion, turned promoter, Graham Earl promised closely matched, exciting fights on his return to York Hall on Saturday night with his ‘Capital Punishment’ event. Being a man of his word, that’s just what Graham delivered and much, much more.

For a start there were no less than three drawn bouts, albeit two being declared under the new BBBofC ‘technical draw’ rule. There was a massive upset, when Alex Spitko stopping Navid Iran. There was bloody drama when two fights were stopped due to bad cuts and there was controversy as Manny Oshunrinde was denied a clear stoppage win, only to receive a ‘technical draw’. More on these a little later.

The headline Southern Area Super Middleweight title clash between Paul Morby and Daniel ‘The Slick’ Cadman was a closely fought affair, so much so that after ten hard fought rounds the Referee declared the bout a draw.

The bout got of to quite a slow start as both protagonists feeling each other out, as such it was impossible to declare a clear leader after the first couple of rounds. Cadman had set his stall out, deciding to close the Champion down. Whilst Cadman did all the controlling it was Morby that landed the more meaningful punches, just not enough.

Round three was a much more lively affair, with plenty of back and forth exchanges. About midway through the round the crowd leapt to their feet as one as Cadman backed Morby onto the ropes and let rip with a powerful flurry of shots. Cadman was driven on, to try and finish the fight early following landing a vicious left to the body, that clearly hurt the Champion. Morby survived the onslaught but round three was clearly Cadman’s.

Cadman again seemed to hurt Morby with a an equally vicious left to the body in the fourth round. However this was the wake up call the Champion needed, Morby came back with some world class ring craft and salvo of punches of his own as he boxed his way out of trouble. Whilst again a very close round I felt that Morby had done just enough to claim the round.

Round five was all Cadman. The reigning champ showed he has the heart of a Lion, soaking up onslaught after onslaught , any of which looked sure to end the Champions reign at a moments notice. At times the round got messy, as Morby clung to Cadman in an effort to stop further punishing salvos. Cadman’s round for sure.

Round six was more or less an extension of the later part of the fifth, with Morby grabbing hold of Cadman each time he mounted an attack. Saying that there was some scintillating action, just more holding than action. Again I gave the round to Cadman as he was by far the more positive and landed the more meaningful, and hurtful, punches.

Round seven was again a close round, like in the previous rounds there was a lot of holding, but there was also plenty of back and forth action. I gave the round to Morby purely as he had landed the more telling punches.

Round eight saw some excellent action, between the holding that is. Again another very close round, this time I just couldn’t split the pair.

Round nine was a scrappy affair, but did include some fiery exchanges, as well as some rather amusing moments - first Cadman is sent head first through the ropes following some nifty footwork by Morby, who sidestepped an attack before spinning the flaying Cadman head first through the ropes.

Just moments later the tables were turned when Cadman stepped aside, matador style, as Morby charged forward. Morby’s pace was such that the momentum almost propelled him completely over the third rope and onto the officials table. Finally following another grappling session Morby gets pushed down to end up kneeling in front of less than amused referee.

At the end of the three minutes again it was impossible to declare a clear winner of the round.

With just the one round to go this fight could go either way. Morby comes out hard and fast but Cadman doesn’t seem fazed and stands his ground. Following yet more grappling sessions, interspersed by some scintillating back and forth action. Both gave there all, it was without doubt a magnificent, and again too close to call, final round, even with the holding and pushing, and truly deserving of the rapturous applause that ensued as the final bell rang.

The cheers quickly turned to jeers though as the referee lifted both Morby and Cadman’s hands high declaring the fight a 96-96 draw, as such Paul Morby gets to retain his title.

Hopefully there will be a rematch in the not to distant future.

Prior to the headline bout American Super Middleweight Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Oshunrinde was clearly robbed of his first win on British soil by the fight being declared a technical draw following the fight being stopped, in the first round, due to a serious cut over Smyle’s right eye.

Unlike the earlier technical draw decision, when a cut was caused by an accidental clash of heads, the cut to Smyle’s eye, as well as a serious swelling below the right eye, was caused by the many solid and highly accurate jabs and punches Oshunrinde landed throughout the short encounter.

Both protagonists started fast, however Oshunrinde quickly took control with his superior jab, often forcing Smyle backwards. Around half way through the round Oshunrinde again sent Smyle backwards, but this time followed up and let rip with a big left-right to the head.

Smyle covered up quickly, but not quick enough to stop another heavy straight right. Oshunrinde looked set to continue the onslaught but the eagle eyed referee had spotted the blood gushing from a cut above Smyle’s eye and called a halt to the proceedings.

The highly anticipated clash between Ultrachem TKO’s exciting London based Dutch Cruiserweight prospect Mitchell Balker and Battersea’s fighting Fireman Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth proved to be one of the fight’s of the night.

Balker’s savvy ring craft proved to be too much for ‘The Ox’. Right from the start Balker controlled the fight utilising crisp jabs to keep Okoth on the defensive before moving in to land solid jabs and right hands before stepping aside to thwart any return salvos from the heavy handed Okoth.

Round two see Okoth charge from his corner before swinging wildly in a effort to gain a semblance of control. Balker kept calm and stayed out of trouble by moving out of range and occasionally letting rip with accurate lefts and rights that slowed the advancing Okoth considerably.

Round three see Balker step things up a notch and just plain out box Okoth with crisp jabs and wicked combinations. Each time Okoth advanced Balker would let him back him onto the ropes before spinning Okoth and launching a controlled attack of his own. Often to the head but sometimes with a peach of a three punch combination that ended with a solid left to the body.

Round four was more of the same and it was no surprise that come the final bell the referee declared Balker the winner by a clear 40-36 points margin.

Before the break Redhill’s Daryl Setterfield had a short and bloody battle with Jay Morris.

Prior to the fight stopping cut there wasn’t much to choose between the two as they slugged it out. However the turning point came about three quarter the way through the first round after an accidental clash of heads.

Blood gushed from a nasty cut above Setterfield’s left eye and in an instant Morris was all over him like a rash. Setterfield covered up, protecting the wound from possible more damaging blows, and soaked up the pressure until the bell.

World class cuts man Jimmy Tibbs got to work on the badly damaged eye as Johnny Eames calmed Setterfield, who looked concerned by the extent of the bleeding.

As the bell rang for the second round Morris shot across the ring and let rip with a series of massive bombs. However instead of covering up Setterfield returned fire with a brace of exocets of his own.

Both returned to boxing, rather than attempting to take the other’s head off, but following another close quarter exchange a second accidental head clash reopened the wound, leaving referee Bob Williams no option but to stop the fight and declare the bout a technical draw.

The third fight of the night was set to be a feisty affair, as both Sutton’s Danny ‘Cassius Connor and Stevenage’s Terry Holmes had publicly stated their intention of knocking the other out.

Round one started fast, Connor using his superior jab to keep the raging bull attacks of Holmes at bay. Connor showcased his boxing skills whilst Holmes seemed content to throw bomb after bomb whenever he got in range, or not as the case may be. It was a close round but I felt that Connor had done enough to secure the round.

Round two was more of the same, until around midway when one of Holmes’ bombs hit the target - hard. Feeling more confident Holmes went on the attack forcing Connor back. Connor continued to use his jab to keep the terrier like Holmes at bay, however Holmes just wouldn’t back down. I see the round in favour of Holmes.

Things settled down a bit in the third round and some good toe-to-toe action ensued. Holmes slowed things down a bit and instead of launching wild attacks started picking his punches. Connor was boxing beautifully but the tide had turned firmly in favour of Holmes with his more controlled approach.

Round four was more of the same again and at one point looked like Holmes may have the stoppage he predicted after landing a big right before pouncing on Connor with a flurry of big shots. Connor weaved and ducked but with his back to the rope didn’t seem to have an escape route so let rip with a few of his own. This was enough for Holmes to take to the back foot. Connor pushed forward and let rip with a salvo of his own. The crowd were on their feet as the action flowed back and forth until the final bell rang and Holmes was declared victor by a 40-36 points margin - whilst I agree Terry Holmes won the fight I don’t feel it was a four round shutout.

The second bout of the night see a massive upset as Navid Iran lost his unbeaten record to Mansfield’s Alex ‘Pit Bull’ Spitko.

The early going was all Iran, who dominated with vicious two handed attacks. At around the midway mark of the first round it seemed the fight may already be over after Iran landed a massive right. Spiko’s legs were gone, but somehow the plucky Latvian exile stayed on his feet to weather the storm.

The turning point of the fight came in the second minute of the third round when Iran seemed to run out of wind. Spitko turned the tables big time and let rip with a full blown salvo, Iran tried to run but Spitko stayed on him like a rash throwing flurries of shots until the referee Bob Williams stepped in to stop the fight at the 2 minute 39 second mark.

The opening fight of the night, between Joe Hillerby and Ryan Clark, also featured a battle of former World Champions turned trainers, as Graham Earl was in Hillerby’s corner and Carl Greaves in Clarke’s.

The normally fast starting Clarke seemed a little more cautious than normal, which allowed Hillerby to take the first couple of rounds by forcing the pace throughout.

Round three see the real Ryan Clarke emerge. Normal service is resumed as Clarke starts letting rip with heavy hands. Hillerby is made of sterner stuff though, standing his ground and trading with equal venom. Much closer round but Hillerby still gets the nod and is set for a good win.

More of the same in fourth with Clarke throwing everything but the kitchen sink in an effort to stop the advancing juggernaut known as the ‘Belfast Banger’. No surprise that Hillerby and Graham Earl come out the winners in this one.

Without doubt Graham Earl is a man of his word as ‘Capital Punishment’ featured well matched bouts that produced plenty of drama and excitement, as well as a little controversy to keep everyone talking.

So there you have it. London’s first boxing show of 2011, can’t wait for the next - Bring it on!

The weigh-in for Paul Morby versus Daniel ‘The Slick’ Cadman BBBofC Southern Area Super Middleweight title fight at the Graham Earl promoted CAPITAL PUNISHMENT event at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Saturday was undertaken, at the Ultrachem TKO Gym in Canning Town, earlier today under the watchful eyes of BBBofC official Bob Longhurst.

Also the weigh-in for Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor versus Terry Holmes was undertaken at the same time.

WEIGHTS:

Paul Morby - 11st. 7lbs

Daniel ‘The Slick’ Cadman - 12st 0lbs

Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor - 10st 6 1/2lbs

Terry Holmes - 10st 5 1/2lbs

QUOTES:

Graham Earl (Promoter):“I’m really excited and looking forward to the fights. They are all going to be cracking fights so everyone is going to get their moneys worth.

I’m back at home at York Hall so this really means a lot to me.”

Paul Morby (Champion):“I’m feeling good, on top of the world. Tomorrow’s showtime, all the hard works been done. Tomorrow’s showtime.”

Daniel ‘The Slick’ Cadman (Challenger):“Training’s gone brilliant, sparring’s gone great. I just can’t wait to get in there and have a go, to be honest with you.”

Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor:“I’m bang on the weight, feel fit. I’m ready, good as gold. Ready to go to work tomorrow and get my first win, gonna start the New Year off with a bang.”

Terry Holmes:“I’m ready, we’ll have to see how it goes. He reckons he’s gonna knock me out in the second round.

I feel good, I feel fit I’m right back in shape. I’m gonna do my best in this fight and knock him out probably as he says he is gonna try and knock me out.”

Tickets for the Graham Earl promoted CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, headlined by Paul Morby versus Daniel ‘The Slick’ Cadman Southern Area Super Middleweight title clash at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on Saturday 22nd January 2011 are priced £35 (unreserved) and £50 (ringside) and are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com- or for further information call 07960 850645

Former British, Commonwealth and WBU International Cruiserweight Champion Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott popped into the Ultrachem TKO Gym in Canning Town to wish Dutch Cruiserweight prospect Mitchell Balker success in his first London fight, against Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth at the Graham Earl promoted ‘Capital Punishment’ at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, London this Saturday.

During his magnificent career Bruce has won the British Southern Area title, twice held both the BBBofC British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight belts, winning the coveted Lonsdale belt outright. On the World scene Bruce won the WBU International Cruiserweight title and challenged for a World crown no less than three times.

Still a keen supporter of the Cruiserweight division Bruce took the opportunity to meet with Mitchell at the Paul Morby and Daniel Cadman weigh-in, after which he said. “It’s great to have new blood in the division. Mitchell looks strong and with Johnny (Eames) training him will do good.

I wish Mitchell the best of luck tomorrow. Nick (Okoth) is a tough fighter but I think Mitchell will have the edge.”

Mitchell Balker versus Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth will be on the undercard of Paul Morby vs. Daniel ‘The Slick’ Cadman BBBofC Southern Area Super Middleweight title showdown at the Graham Earl promoted ‘Capital Punishment’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 22nd January 2011.

Another exciting young fighter from the Ultrachem TKO stable, Welterweight Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor, also has a tough challenge when he faces Graham Earl’s nineteen year old protégé Terry Holmes.

British Masters Light Welterweight Champion Jay ‘The Isle Of Wight Assassin’ Morris, will be taking on another of the Ultrachem TKO team, ‘Dynamo’ Daryl Setterfield, in a non-championship bout.

Hove’s unbeaten Light Heavyweight Navid Iran also has a challenging bout as he faces the very tough Mansfield, Notts, based Latvian Alex ‘Pit Bull’ Spitko.

Don’t blink or you might just miss Joe ‘The Belfast Banger’ Hillerby take on Ryan Clarke. In his last fight Joe stopped Gavin Putney in just 43 seconds! But saying that you can’t write off Ryan easily, as he is also known as a super tough big puncher.

Tickets, priced £35 (unreserved) and £50 (ringside) are available on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com - or for further information call 07960 850645.

Kathy Duva, Main Events CEO: "We have a new chapter opening for us and also a new one for Zab Judah as well. On March 5th we are going to be back in Newark and Zab is going to become a world champion again. Main Events along with Zab is going to be opening a new venue at Prudential Center, it's called the Amerihealth Pavilion. We are very excited about that."

"Many years ago Main Events made a name for itself by putting a fight in an ice rink in Totowa, NJ. Well this building also doubles as an ice rink. It's going to be a space for athletic events, concerts, comedy and all kinds of shows. Underneath the floor will be an ice rink for this first show, because it's still hockey season, so it's going to be familiar to some of us. It's going to be a great night kicking off this tremendous venue. I think it's going to become the new millennium's version of what Ice World used to be years ago: an incubator for new talent coming up. And I can't think of a better way to open than with a world title fight featuring Zab Judah vs. Kaiser Mabuza, who's coming all the way from South Africa to fight him (Zab)."

Zab Judah:"It means a lot to me to be put in this position (to become world champion). Kaiser Mabuza is a very tough fighter. He brings a great style to the ring of boxing, and he brings exciting fights. He's known as a home wrecker and he's coming across the world, so I know he's coming in 100% prepared for us. I know he's gonna try to come in there and win his first world title, but Zab Judah is in there and I'm looking to become the 5 time champion of the world. I'm not gonna stop."

"You know I'm not joking, there's nothing amusing here. Kaiser Mabuza is a fighter who made his way to the number one spot in boxing. There's nothing I can take away from that, there's nothing you can take away from that. The man has made his way up there to become the number one fighter in the world. I'm number 2. He's higher than me already and I'm going to surpass him come March 5th, but right now the man is number one in the world. So you have to give him his respect, because he made his way there."

"My last fight was Lucas Matthysse, another fighter people didn't know anything about, but now you guys know about him. With Matthysse everybody was saying to me, 'he's nobody, nobody knows him'. But now people see he's a very rugged, tough, strong puncher, and like I said the guy has exceptional punching power. I know he's got another fight coming up. Watch, you'll get another look at him with another opponent with a different style and then you guys will say 'well damn, the only person who could beat him was Zab'. Then you guys will give me props. Same thing with Kaiser Mabuza, he's an action- packed fighter, he's coming in here, this is a major opportunity for him. He sat around and waited for the opportunity for a long time and I know come March 5th, Kaiser Mabuza is not coming all the way from South Africa to lose."

"These guys Matthysse and Mabuza, people side stepped them because they're not familiar with them, because they're from different countries and they were doing things over there. People say, 'I'm not fighting them, they're nobody', but evidently they are somebody, because they made their way up to the position they are at right now."

"Training camp is going well. We picked up a helping hand, Pernell "Sweetpea" Whitaker. He will be a new member of Team Judah. At this point I'm just taking experiences and sapping knowledge everywhere we go, sucking it all up. I need it. I'm going to get the best, to be the best."

Kathy Duva:"Pernell was thrilled when he found out that Zab was interested in bringing him in. There's probably nobody in the world that can build a game plan better than Pernell Whitaker. He can see everything. I think in Zab he has found a student who can actually execute everything he wants him to do, which hard for someone like Pete (Pernell) to find. There aren't very many fighters that could actually do the things that Pete could teach him. I think of Pete as sort of a great concert pianist, he isn't going to be satisfied teaching students to play Chopsticks, but if he can find a student who can play that concerto the way he did, then he can really teach him something. That's what this pairing is. I think it's absolutely inspired and a wonderful idea. I know Pete is as thrilled about it as we are."

Zab Judah:"This man (Mabuza) is coming in here to fight, this gonna be a good fight. But just know that I'm ready, I'm working hard. I'm back doing my running; I'm back in the mountains training. We're in the gym now everyday. My life has changed."

"I know it's his (Mabuza) first opportunity to become a world champion. We are expecting a tough, 12 round, action-packed, non-stop-punches fight. This is what makes great fights."

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Stoke Newington’s exceptional Light Middleweight prospect Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng gets his first outing of the new year on the undercard of the Frank Maloney promoted Commonwealth Super Bantamweight title showdown between Jamie Arthur and Jason Booth at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday 5th February 2011.

Young Erick has proved to be one of the most exciting and talented young fighters to emerge over the past couple of seasons. Currently unbeaten in five outings, two by way of stoppage, Erick has had some exceptional wins, including beating Curtis Valentine in a fight dubbed “Battle of the Unbeaten’, but by far his most impressive performance to date was his total domination of Alex Spitko at the Steve Goodwin promoted ‘It’s Personal’ event back in September.

On September 11th at York Hall in Bethnal Green ‘The Eagle’ put on a classic display of the art of boxing. Dominating from the very start, Erick was able to pick off the heavier Alex Spitko at will. His movement so sublime that Spitko must have thought his opponent was a phantom as his punches met just fresh air.

In round two Spitko somehow managed to corral Erick on the ropes and let rip with a flurry, all of which missed the ‘Matrix’ like moving 23 year old. In a flash ‘The Eagle’ turned the tables by fluidly spinning around Spitko before letting rip with a hurting salvo of his own. The crowd leapt to their feet as one cheering and clapping this awesome display.

Spitko became a moving punch bag in round three, the showman inside Erick came to the fore as he turned the volume up and danced around the hapless Spitko picking him off at will.

To the sound of “Eagle. Eagle, Eagle’ reverberating around the auditorium round four gets underway. Erick plays with Spitko like a cat with a mouse, giving him little room to maneuver before closing the the escape route with a lightning quick jab. With just thirty seconds to go ‘The Eagle’ suddenly stops playing with his prey and goes in for the kill with a head and body combination that sends Spitko crashing to the canvas. Spitko made the count but the referee had seen enough and stopped the fight with just 19 seconds left on the clock.

Erick has had a period of inactivity since that top class win, his last outing was due to have been on the undercard of Sam Webb’s title defense against Martin Concepcion on the 16th October, but as if there was an epidemic sweeping the country one after another his proposed opponents dropped out. The last actually on the day of the fight.

Following a sparring session with Bradley Skeete, under the ever watchful gaze of his trainer/manager Brian Lawrence, at the Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town, London, a positively buoyant Erick spoke of his upcoming fight, as well as his title aspirations. “My next fight is going to be February 5th so I’ve been back in training over Christmas. I’ve already been sparring a lot, which is good. I feel good.

I’ve been sparring Bradley (Skeete) who is a lot taller than me. He has a good reach. It’s the type of sparring that will help me as at my weight you can get much taller people. Prince Arron for instance. So this kind of sparring is good and I like sparring lots of different fighters.

Before he hurt his shoulder I was sparring Sam (Webb). Sparring Sam is great, he’s experienced. He’s the British Champion so it is good practice as I’ll be getting the title soon. It’s good sparring, you can’t go wrong with such good sparring.

I’m stepping up to a six rounder. I get my rounds done in the gym. Saying that I don’t see the fight going the six rounds, it’s going to be shorter than that.

I’m in good shape and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Brian Lawrence, who had sat next to his talented charge throughout, grinned and then added, “We haven’t got an opponent yet. Frank Maloney is just putting the bill together at the moment. All we know is Jason Booth and Jamie Arthur top of the bill now Sam’s out and Erick’s in a six rounder.

The first title we’ll be looking for Erick will be the Southern Area, but first we want him to get him a two six rounders and then we’ll go for the Southern Area title.

We’ve been training over Christmas and the New Year, he’s in good shape. He’s not reached his peak yet but we’ve still got a couple of weeks to go.

He’s sure to give value for money on the 5th, he always does.”

The not to be missed Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng against a yet to be named opponent will be on the undercard of the Commonwealth Super Bantamweight title clash between Jamie Arthur and Jason Booth at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday 5th February 2011.

Also featured on the card will be a six round Super Flyweight contest which pits former British Bantamweight Champion Martin Power against the unbeaten Ashley Sexton.

Commonwealth Gold and Olympic Bronze medalist David Price and exciting Cruiserweight prospect Leon ‘Solid’ Williams are also featured, against yet to be named opposition.

Tickets, priced £30, for Arthur vs Booth Commonwealth title fight are available to buy on-line at www.tkoboxoffice.com or call 07960 850645.

Heavyweight contender and former world title challenger, Kevin "Kingpin" Johnson (23-1-1, 10KO's), will be back in action this Saturday night when he takes on Julius "Towering Inferno" Long (15-14, 13KO's) in an eight round bout on the undercard of Saturday night's Pay Per View "Redemption In America: The Journey Begins Now" card, headlined by Evander Holyfield (43-10-2, 28KO's) defending his WBF Heavyweight Title against Sherman Williams (34-11-2, 19KO's) at The Greenbrier's Colonial Hallin White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.

Johnson, who had been looking to get a spot on the card for some time, but couldn't find an opponent to step up to the challenge , replaces Travis Kauffman, who pulled out of his bout with Long after coming down with the flu.Johnson, whose lone defeat came when he challenged WBC Heavyweight Champion Vitali Klitschko last December (L-12), is looking to move himself back to the top of the heavyweight world rankings in 2011, but he first must take care of the always dangerous7'1" Long.

Doors open at 6 PM/ET, first bout at 7 PM/ET, and first PPV fight at 9 PM/ET, 6 PM/PT.

“McCants is a real good fighter and a good prospect. He only has about ten fights, but he has been around a while," said Cauthen. “I have fought many big names, and he is as dangerous as any of them.”

Several times Cauthen has been on the cusp of a world title opportunity, but setbacks have not deterred the thirty-four-year-old native of Trenton, NJ.

“I have learned to not give up, come ready and work harder. I say to myself, 'that I got it right this time and just to take it one step at a time.'”

Cauthen has been a fixture in the Philadelphia gyms over the past two decades, and knows how tough this fight will be.

“This is a Philly fight as far as I am concerned. All Philly fighters are good. With some of the guys he has been in the gym with, it’s basically like he has eighty fights, and I know he is dangerous because he is hungry.”

Southern Area Cruiserweight Champion Leon ‘Solid’ Williams has signed a promotional contract with Frank Maloney. ‘Solid’ also secured his first fight, at the Brentwood Leisure Centre on the 5th February, under the Frank Maloney banner.

27 year old Leon, ranked #6 in Britain by BoxRec, is one of the Cruiserweight division’s rising stars. He won the BBBofC Southern Area title back in October ‘10 with a virtual lockout points victory over former Southern Area Light Heavyweight champion JJ Ojuederie.

Leon dominated the proceedings throughout, forcing the normally stand up JJ to play it safe and stay out of trouble for almost the whole fight. It was the final round before JJ decided to stand his ground and trade punches with Leon. By then Leon’s aggressive all action approach had already earned him the belt, as was shown when Referee Jeff Hinds score card was read out - a decisive 99-92 points victory for Streatham’s favourite fighter.

Following a training session, under the watchful eyes of his coach Johnny Eames at the Ultrachem TKO Gym in Canning Town, Leon spoke briefly on his signing with Frank Maloney. “Finally I’m with a big promoter, I’ve signed with Frank Maloney and I’ve got a great deal.

I’ve been boxing small hall shows for a while, which has been fantastic, but I’ve wanted to fight on a bigger stage and for a promoter that has TV, hence Frank Maloney. It’s great, fantastic.

All I’ve got to do is win and look good for a few fights and then Frank says he’ll push me for the British title later this year.

I’ll be out for the first time under the Frank Maloney banner on the 5th February at the Brentwood Leisure Centre on the undercard of Jason Booth and Jamie Arthur’s Commonwealth title fight.

It’s a great stage for my ‘debut’ for Frank Maloney so I’m very excited. I’ll get all my Team Solid supporters up there. It’s gonna be good.

I’ve got a new promoter just weeks after signing with Johnny Eames as my trainer. Since I’ve been at the TKO Gym it’s just been fantastic. It’s the best gym.

There’s a lot of big boys here so I’ve been getting a lot of sparring, so I’m really happy about that. There’s people here with fast hands, there’s punchers. I have to work to deal with them. It’s great I’m learning every time I’m here.

I’ll be right up for it on the 5th, can’t wait.”

Leon ‘Solid’ Williams, against a yet to be named opponent will feature on the undercard of the Frank Maloney promoted Jamie Arthur vs Jason Booth Commonwealth Super Bantamweight title clash at the Brentwood Leisure Centre, Brentwood, Essex on Saturday 5th February 2011.

Also featured on the card will be a six round Super Flyweight contest which pits former British Bantamweight Champion Martin Power against the unbeaten Ashley Sexton.

Commonwealth Gold and Olympic Bronze medalist David Price and exciting Light Middleweight prospect Erick ‘The Eagle’ Ochieng are also featured, against yet to be named opposition.

Dollis Hill based American boxer Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Oshinronde is set for his second UK fight this coming Saturday, the 22nd January, at the Graham Earl promoted ‘Capital Punishment’ event at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, which is headlined by the BBBofC Southern Area Super Middleweight title clash between Portsmouth’s Paul Morby and Essex’s Daniel ‘The Slick’ Cadman.

29 year old Manny will be facing a tough challenge, on the 22nd, as he will be up against Leicester knockout artist Jahmaine ‘Smasher’ Smyle. Without doubt Manny will have to be on his best form as Jahmaine, who has a 3 win and 1 loss record, has stopped all but one of his previous opponents.

Manny, from Miami in Florida, originally came to Europe in 2007 as he had a professional Basketball contract to play in Italy. Manny spent a season and half playing in Italy but due to a long running knee injury problem, that affected the high level performance he was accustomed to, decided to retire from Basketball in 2009 and move to England and return to his first sporting love, Boxing.

Following a training session, under the watchful eyes of upcoming young coach Barry Smith at Johnny Eames’ Ultrachem TKO Gym in Canning Town, London, Manny spoke of the upcoming showdown with Jahmaine Smyle, “I’m looking very much to the fight because hopefully it’ll be my first win.

My last fight was quite disappointing because I lost, but I really should have won. I had the guy down in the second round but he was saved by the bell.

That’s the problem if you don’t put your guy away, he’ll come back and beat ya. I think I took the guy a little bit too lightly and he crept up and bit me in the butt.

Plus I had a lot of injuries but don’t feel I can make too many excuses though, when you’re up in the ring you have to be ready.

This fight, hopefully, will go the way I want it to go, which is win by knockout. So I’m really looking forward to my first win in the UK.

Sparring’s been going pretty good. I’ve been sparring Mitchell (Balker) from the TKO Gym. I’ve sparred him a couple of times. He’s a big, strong Cruiserweight. I’ve also sparred a couple of guys at Clinton McKenzie’s gym in South London. Pretty good Super Middleweights and Light Heavyweights.”

Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Oshinronde versus Jahmaine ‘Smasher’ Smyle will be on the undercard of Paul Morby vs. Daniel ‘The Slick’ Cadman BBBofC Southern Area Super Middleweight title showdown at the Graham Earl promoted ‘Capital Punishment’ event at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London on Saturday 22nd January 2011.

Graham Earl has put together a top class support card for the Morby vs Cadman title fight that includes the first London outing for Ultrachem TKO’s highly exciting Dutch Cruiserweight prospect Mitchell Balker, who is set for a baptism of fire when he faces Battersea’s super tough Fighting Fireman Nick ‘The Ox’ Okoth, who was runner up at the exceptional Sky televised Prizefighter - Cruiserweights II back in April last year.

Another exciting young fighter from the Ultrachem TKO stable, Welterweight Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor, also has a tough challenge when he faces Graham Earl’s nineteen year old protégé Terry Holmes.

British Masters Light Welterweight Champion Jay ‘The Isle Of Wight Assassin’ Morris, will be taking on another of the Ultrachem TKO team, ‘Dynamo’ Daryl Setterfield, in a non-championship bout.

Hove’s unbeaten Light Heavyweight Navid Iran also has a challenging bout as he faces the very tough Mansfield, Notts, based Latvian Alex ‘Pit Bull’ Spitko.

Don’t blink or you might just miss Joe ‘The Belfast Banger’ Hillerby take on Ryan Clarke. In his last fight Joe stopped Gavin Putney in just 43 seconds! But saying that you can’t write off Ryan easily, as he is also known as a super tough big puncher.

New Milton’s ‘Dangerous’ Danny Goode will be looking to turn around his losing streak when he faces Chris Agyia-Dua. Danny had built up an impressive unbeaten in twelve fight record, that was until he met Jay Morris in December 2007. Since then Danny has lost seven in a row.

Also on the show will be Danny Brown against a yet to be named opponent.

Tickets for the Graham Earl promoted CAPITAL PUNISHMENT at York Hall, Bethnal Green in London on Saturday 22nd January 2011 are priced £35 (unreserved) and £50 (ringside) and are available on-line now at www.tkoboxoffice.com - or for further information call 07960 850645

Manny Oshinronde sparring Mitchell Balker at the Ultrachem TKO Gym in London

Friday, January 14, 2011

The Boxing Promoters Association (BPA) had a very successful meeting this week in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Planet Hollywood Hotel. The BPA continued its past success and 2011 promises to be a good one for the BPA and its efforts to assist the boxing industry. The meeting was well attended, and officially marked the first time that promotional powerhouse, Golden Boy Promotions (GBP), which was represented by CEO Richard Schaefer, was an active participant.

Just as has been the case in previous meetings, progress was made towards bettering the sport and industry. There were a lot of positive strides over the past year and additional accomplishments that came about during the meeting. Major announcements will be revealed in the upcoming weeks and months.

One major development is that the BPA will be reaching out to U.S. Senator John McCain to discuss both past and present issues with boxing legislation. The group intends to specifically address the Muhammad Ali Act and the bill being proposed in the U.S. Congress. The BPA intends to increase the impact and the strength of voice of the BPA in the industry and to assist in protecting and developing the sport. Golden Boy President, Oscar De La Hoya, the former Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion, will join BPA President, Joe DeGuardia, and some other members of the Board of Directors at the anticipated meeting with Senator McCain.

An All-Star undercard has been assembled that will feature some of the top prospects in the area.

Tickets for this championship night of boxing are priced at $120; $70& $30 by calling 1-866-468-7619; logging onto www.ticketmaster.com or www.ticketweb.com as well as Global Boxing Gym (5601-5711 Tonnelle Ave. North Bergen, NJ, 07047)

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in professional boxing, Haymon’s impressive clientele includes Floyd Mayweather, Paul Williams, Andre Berto, Daniel Jacobs and Antonio Tarver amongst others. His fighters all have appeared in lucrative bouts and on the biggest fight cards to ensure maximum exposure, which is exactly what Douglin was looking for.

“I’m excited about working with Al,” said Douglin, who was voted as New Jersey’s best prospect by a panel of local journalists. “He’s done great things for his fighters and I’m happy to have him as part of the team. 2011 is definitely going to be a huge year for me.”

A 2008 National Golden Gloves Champion, Douglin’s unblemished professional ledger stands at 12-0 with 8 wins by knockout. He was a perfect 6-0 with 5 stoppages in 2010 and is recognized amongst the top prospects on the east coast. In addition to his well rounded skill set, many in the boxing world have taken an interest in Denis’ career due to the fact that he is trained by his mother.

Douglin’s next bout is scheduled for February 18 in Salisbury, MD on an ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights undercard.

Sensational, unbeaten (14-0 with 6 wins by KO), Light Welterweight prospect Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne left his London base earlier today to travel back to Dublin, where he is set to fight a yet to be named opponent at the Dolphil promotions event at the Citywest Hotel on Sunday the 30th January 2011.

Dean is managed and trained in Los Angeles, USA by ‘Trainer of the Year’ Freddie Roach at his Wild Card Gym, where he regularly sparred with Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan amongst others, but since returning to London has been training with Barry Smith at Johnny Eames’ Ultrachem TKO Boxing Gym in Canning Town.

The globetrotting ‘Irish Lightning’, who during his career has already fought in Australia, America and Ireland, has already proved his championship credentials, having won the Australian Light Welterweight title on just his fifth outing, is intent on making his mark in Europe and to challenge for either an Irish or British title in the near future.

Following his final bruising sparring session, with Freddie Turner at the Ultrachem TKO Gym, The “Irish Lightning’ took the time to talk briefly on his career and the upcoming Dublin fight.

“I’ve no idea of my opponent as yet. I’m sure he’ll be a decent opponent as it’s a Dolphil Promotions show on the 30th January.

"I’m ready, the last couple of weeks I’ve been training at the Ultrachem TKO Gym in London where Barry Smith has been helping me out a lot.

"I’ve been sparring with everyone up at the gym. Freddie Turner, just got out after five rounds sparring with Freddie. I’ve been sparring Kash (Akaash Bhatia) and Nate (Nathan Weiss) and all the boys up here.

"I’m 14 and 0 with six knockouts, I’ve been a pro five years now, had two years of inactivity due to injury. I’m ready to fight now and have no injuries. I’m feeling strong and I’m ready to step up to another level and get some title shots.

"Freddie Roach is my trainer/manager, when I’m in England ticking over, Barry helps me out a lot and keeps me in good shape, and that’s what you need to do is keep ticking over. As a professional person, not just a fighter, you have to be always ticking over and being in good shape.

As mentioned previously, Dean’s coach in London is Ultrachem TKO’s upcoming young trainer Barry Smith, who has worked with many of Johnny Eames’ world class stable.

Barry, who has coached Dean for his last two Dublin fights, spoke of his talented charge.

“Man, I think he’s brilliant, he’s a great prospect and has a great future ahead of him. He’s got all the tools. He just does it, he’s a delight to work with. He trains hard, he wants it. He’s always in the gym, he enjoys his boxing.

"You don’t have to tell him to do anything, because he just does it, you don’t have to moan at him he just does it. He’s really keen and dedicated. He’s just a great all round fighter.

"He’s without doubt one of the best fighters I’ve seen. He will go all the way. I have no doubts about it, he can go all the way. He lives the life. He doesn’t go out celebrating after a fight, two days after he’s back in the gym. Brilliant.

"He makes it easy to work with him, he’s just so professional and he knows what he wants and he knows where he’s going and that’s real good.

"When he’s in America he has one of the best trainers in the World (Freddie Roach) and over here he’s at the TKO Gym with myself. What more can I say, he’s dedicated and is a great fighter.

"On the 30th, he’s gonna do the business - Irish Lightning’s gonna strike.”

Final word though has to go to the ‘Irish Lightning’, who had a bit of interesting news for his British fans.

“I’ve been talking to a couple of people and am hoping in the future to get a fight in England so you might see a bit of ‘Irish Lightning’ here in 2011. So, all you UK fans out there you may get to see the Irish Lightning strike up a storm in the UK soon.

"I also want to thank all my supporters and any new fans I have, and those that want to become fans, to get down to Citywest Hotel and see Irish Lightning strike up a storm in Dublin on January 30th.”

Dean ‘Irish Lightning’ Byrne against a yet to be named opponent will be at the Dolphil Promotions show at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin on Sunday 30th January 2010.

First pro boxing event at Harrah’s Resort in Chester, PA to feature local favorites VaSquez, Poore, Dawejko, Butler and more.

CHESTER, PA (January 12, 2011) - One of the most famous movie scenes in the past quarter century took place in the movie Coming to America when Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall played many different characters in a barbershop, and began arguing who the greatest heavyweight was amongst Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali and Rocky Marciano.

One man who can attest that scenarios like that are common place all over the country is lightweight Victor Vasquez, who on January 22nd will take on Osnel Charles in the main event of the first boxing event at Harrah’s in Chester, PA. The show is promoted by Joey Eye Boxing.

Vasquez is a licensed barber, who has been cutting hair for the better part of a decade. Vasquez, of Northeast Philadelphia, cuts hair at “Consider It Done”, which is located at 2546 North Front Street in Philadelphia.

“Everybody comes in there and argues sports," said Vasquez, who has a professional record of 12-4-1 with six knockouts. “The best thing about it is that I box so I have a more authentic opinion I guess. But it’s fun because everyone has an opinion, and over the past couple years, we have had some good arguments when the topic is Mayweather-Pacquiao.”

Vasquez is Philadelphia’s uncrowned 'Blood and Guts' champion for his many wars, plus the great fan base he has built up since turning pro in 2006.

“I love the support. It’s great that random people come into the barber shop and buy tickets to see me fight.”

Vasquez looks forward to a big 2011.

“I have had nothing easy, but I am a gym rat and I hope to win a few more fights and be able to fight for a regional title by the end of the year.”

Vasquez will take on Osnel Charles of Atlantic City in the six round main event. Charles has a record of 5-2, and is on a roll as he is riding a four fight winning streak. He is coming off a four-round unanimous decision win over local favorite Zachary Smith (4-1) this past September 11th in Albany, New York.

In a four round co-feature, John Poore (21-4, 18 KO’s) of Boothwyn, PA will make his cruiserweight debut against Zeferino Albino (3-12-2, 1 KO) of Philadelphia, PA.

In a four round welterweight bout, Ardrick Butler (5-3, 2 KO’s) takes on Eberto Medina (5-5) of New Jersey.

Former World Junior Amateur champion Joey Dawejko (3-0,1 KO) of Philadelphia faces an opponent to be named in a four-round heavyweight bout.

In a four round middleweight bout, debuting Stephon Burgette of Scranton, PA takes on Joe Dunn (0-3) of Philadelphia.

Dan Grafton (1-0, 1 KO) of Philadelphia will take on Antonio Robertson (0-2) of South Carolina in a four-round heavyweight bout.

The middleweight division takes center stage this Friday, January 14, when ESPN2’s Friday Night Fights returns to Mallory Square in Key West, FL for a night of red hot action. In the main event, former star of The Contender and top-ten ranked Peter Manfredo, Jr. (36-6, 2 KOs) looks to position himself for another crack at a world title against the rugged veteran, Daniel Edouard (23-3, 14 KOs).

In the co-feature contest, one of the hottest prospects in all of boxing, super middleweight Edwin Rodriguez (17-0, 13 KOs) faces the toughest test in his career and the son of a legend, Aaron Pryor, Jr. (15-2, 11 KOs).

The Key West showdowns will be promoted by DiBella Entertainment and DEJ Promotions. The show will be televised LIVE on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN3.com.

“There is nothing that warms the soul in the dead of winter like great boxing, and there is no better place for it than Key West,” said Lou DiBella, the President of DiBella Entertainment. “Manfredo and Edouard will step into the ring on January 14 knowing only one will leave it as a viable title contender, and Edwin Rodriguez will likely face adversity that he has never faced before. I am excited to be teaming up with DEJ Promotions for this memorable night of action.”

“Peter Manfredo vs. Daniel Edouard top off a very exciting card; Edwin Rodriguez and Aaron Pryor, Jr. should generate a night of great entertainment for the avid boxing fans,” said Dave Johnson, the President of DEJ Promotions. “I am ecstatic to be putting on this show with DiBella Entertainment, and I am confident that we will have fight fans talking.”

Manfredo, 30, is marking a decade as one of boxing’s most exciting attractions. Best known for his stint on season one of the reality show The Contender, Manfredo has stepped in with some of the biggest names in boxing, including Sergio Mora (twice), Alfonso Gomez (twice), Jeff Lacy, and the recently retired, Joe Calzaghe. His tenth round stoppage of Angel Hernandez this past May is considered a Fight of the Year candidate.

Edouard, 30, is well known to fight fans for his showdowns with the likes of Dorian Beaupierre, Willie Gibbs, and Jermain Taylor. His fourth round stoppage over Gibbs in 2004, where both men hit the deck, was named ESPN’s Fight of the Year. Edouard is coming off a split decision loss to Alfonso Mosquera, but had won his previous five fights before that.

Rodriguez, 25, is one of the fastest rising prospects in all of boxing. A former amateur standout, Rodriguez has won eight of his last nine bouts by knockout, including his last fight, a nationally televised destruction of James “Buddy” McGirt, Jr., which netted him the WBC USNBC Super Middleweight title.

Pryor, Jr., 32, has more than just his last name going for him. Despite being the son of Hall of Famer, Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor, Junior has begun carving out his own niche in the sweet science. In his last bout on national television, he thoroughly dominated Dyah Davis (son of former world champion Howard Davis) over eight one-sided rounds. Pryor is riding a three fight win streak going into his showdown with Rodriguez.